Wrestling: Q&A with Dixon junior Trent Brinkmeier

Dixon junior Trent Brinkmeier has a variety of interests off the wrestling mat.

BY BRIAN WEIDMAN bweidman@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 551

Dixon senior Trent Brinkmeier is a young man of many interests, and right now his main athletic interest is being the best wrestler he can be.

What’s your favorite thing about wrestling?

It’s one of those sports you’ve got to be determined to do. There’s no giving up. You have to do 100 percent or it’s no go.

Does it take a different sort of athlete to be a wrestler?

I think so. You’ve got to have a mindset that says I’m going to push it 100 percent every day, no matter how healthy I am or how I’m feeling.

What’s been your wrestling highlight?

My freshman year at the Jacobs Mega Duals, there was a senior who took a shot on me and I ended up pinning him in the first period. I realized at that moment I actually have a chance to doing something pretty good.

What’s the goal in wrestling this season?

State. Make it to state, and then when you get there, go and get a medal.

Do you like cross country, or just do it to get ready for wrestling?

Cross country is definitely more of a ‘I need to get in shape before wrestling starts’ thing. It’s to make sure I have some cardio during matches and make sure I don’t die out halfway through.

Evan Thorpe is your cross country coach and your former wrestling coach. Any stories there?

He knows when to joke around and when work needs to be done.

You can definitely see the wrestling part of him coming out during cross country practice. He knows how to push his guys.

Now let’s talk about your other interests. What is concept art?

It’s the blueprint of what you’re going to draw or create from your head. You put it down on paper, but it’s not necessarily a finalized project. My teacher, Mr. Olson, he’s a pretty cool art teacher. He taught me all the basic steps, and ever since then, when I’m not busy, I like to sit down and draw something pretty cool.

While not a musician, you’re into music?

My parents got me a guitar last year for Christmas, but I never quite learned it. A lot of my friends can play, and I’m totally into music. I can’t run without listening to music, and I can’t wrestle without listening to music most of the time. It’s definitely a part of my life that I like.

Favorite bands?

Third Eye Blind and Led Zeppelin.

Where did your love of movies come from?

I’m not sure, but I’m totally into movies. I think I’ve seen Shawshank Redemption at least 30 times – it’s just the perfect movie. I’d have it on and my parents would be like, ‘Are you serious? You’re watching that again?’